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Reds' closer Aroldis Chapman: "I cannot feel better"

Shannon Russell, Cincinnati Enqurier
5:30 p.m. EDT March 31, 2014

FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2014, file photo, Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws during spring training baseball practice in Goodyear, Ariz. Chapman, with two black eyes, has returned to the Reds' clubhouse four days after being hit in the face by a line drive. The 26-year old left-hander had surgery at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Thursday, March 20, 2014, to repair a broken bone above his left eye.(Photo: Paul Sancya AP)

CINCINNATI -- Less than two weeks removed from being struck in the face with line drive, Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman said Monday that he "cannot feel better."

"I cannot ask for better, the way how I am right now. I feel almost normal," Chapman said at Great American Ball Park through interpreter and assistant athletic trainer Tomas Vera, just an hour before the Reds ushered in baseball season against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Chapman sustained fractures above his left eye and nose and suffered a mild concussion after being hit by a line drive off the bat of Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez, March 19 in Arizona. Chapman was transported off the field in an abruptly halted spring training game and later underwent surgery, during which a titanium plate and screws were inserted in his face to stabilize the bones around his left eye.

Aroldis Chapman carted off the field after being hit in the face by a 99 mph line drive.

Although the scary incident jarred many who saw it, Chapman said he has felt no pain since the initial contact with the ball and has experienced neither vision problems nor headaches. Reminders of the surgery – the staples in his scalp, which he previously revealed in a photo on Instagram – were hidden by the 26-year-old left-hander's stocking cap during his Monday press conference.

Chapman, one of eight Reds players who began the season on the disabled list, started his day alongside injured pitcher Mat Latos (knee) in the 95th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade. Chapman said he had a nice reception along the route, and he was also treated to cheers when his name was called during introductions at the ball park.

"I feel really happy. I'm proud. You can't ask for better," Chapman said of his well-wishers. "Today it was noisy. It was really loud when I was going through the streets and they were cheering for me and giving me good wishes. I feel really happy to hear those things."

Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman rides with his daughter Ashanti in the annual opening day parade, Monday, March 31, 2014, in Cincinnati.(Photo: David Kohl AP)

He has followed doctor's orders since surgery by resting while awaiting the green light to restart baseball-related activities. Chapman is only on the 15-day DL, retroactive to March 21, and the fact that he has progressed so well physically has surprised even him.

"After all that happened, after seeing what happened, after watching what happened and seeing how well I feel right now – you're right," Chapman said. "I'm impressed. I really don't have words how to explain to you how I feel right now because things that could have happened and did not happen."

The only thing tinging his Opening Day excitement was his inability to start the season healthy.

"Truly, I cannot feel happy because I'm not here the way I want to be here," Chapman said. "But at the same time I'm happy because I'm here. I'm here with my friends. I'm here with the other players. I'm happy that at least I am here. But I wish it could be different."

Chapman may not have to wait long to return. He could start throwing next week and pitch in game conditions four to six weeks after the injury.